Author Archives: Gandalfe

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About Gandalfe

Just an itinerant saxophonist trying to find life between the changes. I have retired from the Corps of Engineers and Microsoft. I am an admin on the Woodwind Forum, run the Pacifica Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) and participate in other ensembles. Mostly enjoy time with family and friends.

Washington State Caucuses – 9 Feb

Posted on January 25, 2008 by Gandalfe

The Washington Caucuses are only two weeks away. Mark your calendar for February 9th at 1:00 pm. You may be getting questions about the Caucuses from your friends, family, or coworkers. Or maybe the process is still a bit foggy … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 3 Comments

Lessons with Nick

Posted on January 21, 2008 by Gandalfe

I gave my grandson Nick his second weekly lesson in a row on clarinet. He hates clarinet. You might remember he played sax with me for a couple of years but the elementary band had twenty+ saxes and three clarinetists. … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 6 Comments

Henri Selmer Paris – Erreur 404 (9)

Posted on January 19, 2008 by Gandalfe

I’m doing research yesterday on some Selmer music instruments. After years of eschewing the Selmer instruments as overpriced and beautiful looking, horrible intonated instruments I have a number of Selmer state-of-the-art instruments. So periodically I like to review the specs. … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 4 Comments

Tárogató (aka Taragato), sounds like a cat… being strangled… slowly…

Posted on January 19, 2008 by Gandalfe

I picked up a tárogató from my instrument selling maniac and friend QuinntheEskimo (eBay handle). The tárogató (or taragot, taragato) is a woodwind instrument in Bb with a conical form similar to soprano saxophone. I’ve read that the instrument probably … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Music Instruments, Vintage | Tagged | 11 Comments

Small cars and bicycles – oh goody

Posted on January 14, 2008 by Gandalfe

I saw this race between the new (old) Fiat 500 and some BMX bicycle riders. With the prices of gasoline predicted to reach $4 this Summer, I expect to see many more small cars on the street. Indeed, mopeds are … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 11 Comments

Bill Gates’ Last Day Approaches

Posted on January 11, 2008 by Gandalfe

But that doesn’t mean the company can’t have fun with his departure. I really look forward to the company meeting each year where the leaders of the company create these films that poke fun at themselves. Can you see I … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | 8 Comments

gapingvoid: Beware of Turning Hobbies into Jobs

Posted on January 10, 2008 by Gandalfe

Hugh, of gapingvoid talks about something that a lot of us have probably thought of in Beware of Turning Hobbies into Jobs. (Note, depending on how late you get to this post you might have to use his search box … Continue reading →

Posted in Too Spicy for some | 4 Comments

C Melody Saxophone – Making a Comeback?

Posted on January 9, 2008 by Gandalfe

There are some new manufacturers of C Melody saxophone, or the saxophone for the common man. With a sax keyed in C you can read over the shoulder of the pianist and play what you see in the top line. … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | 9 Comments

YouTube: Stan Getz and John Coltrane

Posted on January 6, 2008 by Gandalfe

Stan Getz & John Coltrane live in Düsseldorf, Germany. They are joined by the recently deceased Oscar Peterson. This is for those who have been a part of the many arguments about whether Trane has a decent sound. Enjoy.  

Posted in Jazz | 9 Comments

How are you using your time on this blue marble?

Posted on January 4, 2008 by Gandalfe

A tip of the hat to Laoch for this pointer. "It’s all so brief, isn’t it? A typical human life span is almost a hundred years. But it’s barely a second compared to what’s out there. It wouldn’t be so … Continue reading →

Posted in Health and wellness | 3 Comments